oncology Flashcards
cancer
malignant neoplasms. Abnormal cells divide without control and invade other tissues
Neoplasmic transformation = irreversible process leading to transformation of healthy cell to cancer cell
tumour growth
normal cells divide and go through apoptosis. Cancer cells have uncontrolled proliferation
protoncogens vs oncogene
P: normal growth genes
O: mutated. causes tumours
Metastatic cascade
Tumour initiation
Progression
Proliferation
Angiogenesis
Invasion
Extravasion
Colony formation
Evasion of host defences
Stagin
How far has spread
size, nodes, mets
chemo
targets rapidly dividing cells
can’t distinguish between normal and malignant cells
chemo side effects
N+V
Fatigue
Pain
Sores in mouth
Hair loss
GIT issues
skin changes
Radiotherapy
Destroy or deactivate cancer cells whilst preserving integrity of normal tissue in the treatment field
external: beam
internal: IV
Radio side effects
skin problems
fatigue
area specific
onc emergency
SVC obstruction
spinal cord compression
tumour lysis
hypercalcaemia
neutropenic sepsis
svc
spinal cord
svc: blood through sac is blocked
caused by tumour or enlarged lymph node pressing on SVC
Sx: facial oedema
distention of veins in head neck
mediastinal shift on x ray
spinal cord:
pressure on area of spinal cord, blocks blood flow and damage nerves
caused by tumour
Sx: intense back pain
motor weakness
paraesthesia
tumour lysis
hypercalcaemia
Sepsis
tutor: cells in body break down too quickly causing chemicals and electrolytes to be imbalanced
Sx: weakness
muscle cramps
Diarrhoea N+V
Hyper:
Osteoclast activation by cytokines from cancer cells
Sx:
Apathy
fatigue
muscle weakness
ECG changes
Sepsis
Reduces WBC count
infection
mgmt of onc emergency
nurse in single room
early recognition
frequent monitoring
complementary therapy
yoga
acupuncture
herbs
massage
not a cure but used alongside treatment to help symptomatic relief
